Tire tracking RFID label

ABSTRACT

Identification labels and their incorporation in rubber-based articles are described. The labels include RFID components and can be incorporated in tires. The labels can withstand the relatively harsh conditions associated with vulcanization.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a 371 of International Application No.PCT/US2015/052776, which was published in English on Apr. 7, 2016, andclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos.62/056,920 filed Sep. 29, 2014 and 62/072,806 filed Oct. 30, 2014, allof which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD

The present subject matter relates to labels including electronicidentification provisions. The labels can be applied to, or incorporatedwithin, rubber-based articles prior to being subjected to heat treatmentsuch as vulcanization. The present subject matter also relates torubber-based articles including such labels. Additionally, the presentsubject matter relates to various methods of producing the articles andmethods of using such labels and articles.

BACKGROUND

Inventory control and monitoring the distribution and manufacture ofarticles typically involves providing identification of the articles ofinterest. A common practice in many fields is to apply labels toarticles in which the labels contain identifiers or other informationwhich can thus be associated with the article.

Labeling tires and other rubber-based articles can be problematic,particularly if the labelling is to occur prior to fabrication or beforeproduction is complete. Tires and a wide array of other rubber-basedarticles are subjected to one or more vulcanization operations in whichthe tire or tire components are fused or molded together. Vulcanizationalso modifies the rubber-based composition by forming an extensivenetwork of crosslinks within the rubber matrix, thereby significantlyincreasing the strength and durability of the article.

Although numerous vulcanization techniques are known, many dependingupon the type of curing system in the rubber composition, nearly alltechniques include application of high pressure and elevatedtemperatures to the “green,” i.e., unvulcanized, rubber-based article.

In view of these and other concerns, adhesive labels have been developedwhich can be applied to green rubber-based articles such as tires, andwhich can endure the relatively high temperatures and pressuresassociated with vulcanization. Although satisfactory in many respects, aneed remains for alternative article identification provisions andstrategies for tracking articles and particularly tires, duringproduction, distribution, inventory, and rubber product lifetime.

SUMMARY

The difficulties and drawbacks associated with previous approaches areaddressed in the present subject matter as follows.

In one aspect, the present subject matter provides a tire tracking labelcomprising at least one face layer. The label also comprises optionally,at least one primer layer. And, the label also comprises at least oneadhesive layer. And, the label additionally comprises at least one RFIDcomponent.

In another aspect, the present subject matter provides a labeledrubber-based article comprising a rubber-based article, and a labelincluding at least one face layer, optionally at least one primer layer,at least one adhesive layer, and at least one RFID component. The labelis affixed to the article.

In still another aspect, the present subject matter also provides amethod of identifying a rubber-based article. The method comprisesproviding a rubber-based article. The method also comprises providing alabel including at least one face layer, optionally at least one primerlayer, at least one adhesive layer, and at least one RFID component.And, the method comprises affixing the label with the rubber-basedarticle.

As will be realized, the subject matter described herein is capable ofother and different embodiments and its several details are capable ofmodifications in various respects, all without departing from theclaimed subject matter. Accordingly, the drawings and description are tobe regarded as illustrative and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded view of an embodiment of a tire trackinglabel in accordance with the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a tire having a collection of tire trackinglabels adhered to an outer wall of the tire in accordance with thepresent subject matter.

FIG. 3 is a schematic partial cross section of a representative tireillustrating suitable locations for affixing a tire tracking labelthereto, in accordance with the present subject matter.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a rubber-based suspension component thatcan receive a label in accordance with the present subject matter.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a green tire (tire beforevulcanization) having its interior side walls and interior tread wallexposed, depicting a suitable location for a tire tracking label inaccordance with the present subject matter.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a green tire (tire beforevulcanization) in its typical form in which its exterior side walls andexterior tread face are exposed, depicting another suitable location fora tire tracking label in accordance with the present subject matter.

FIG. 7 is a schematic exploded view of a single face layer embodiment ofa tire tracking label in accordance with the present subject matter.

FIG. 8 is a schematic exploded view of another single face layerembodiment of a tire tracking label in accordance with the presentsubject matter.

FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded view of still another single face layerembodiment of a tire tracking label in accordance with the presentsubject matter.

FIG. 10 is a schematic exploded view of a double face layer embodimentof a tire tracking label in accordance with the present subject matter.

FIG. 11 is a schematic exploded view of another double face layerembodiment of a tire tracking label in accordance with the presentsubject matter.

FIG. 12 is a schematic exploded view of still another double face layerembodiment of a tire tracking label in accordance with the presentsubject matter.

FIG. 13 is a schematic exploded view of a single face layer and a doubleadhesive layer embodiment of a tire tracking label in accordance withthe present subject matter.

FIG. 14 is a schematic exploded view of another single face layer and adouble adhesive layer embodiment of a tire tracking label in accordancewith the present subject matter.

FIG. 15 is a schematic exploded view of still yet another double facelayer embodiment of a tire tracking label in accordance with the presentsubject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present subject matter provides various tire tracking labels thatinclude electronic identification provisions such as for example radiofrequency identification (RFID) devices incorporated in the labels. Thelabels are configured to withstand pressures and temperatures associatedwith a wide variety of vulcanization processes. The present subjectmatter also provides tires and other rubber-based articles that includethe tire tracking labels. Additionally, the present subject matterprovides methods of forming the tires and other rubber-based articleswhich include the noted labels. Furthermore, the present subject matterprovides methods of identifying and/or tracking one or more tires orother rubber-based articles having the noted labels. These and otheraspects are all described herein.

The labels of the present subject matter comprise one or more facelayer(s) or layer(s) of facestock material, optionally one or morelayer(s) of primer disposed on the face layer(s), one or more layer(s)of adhesive, one or more RFID chips or components, and optionally one ormore release liner(s). The present subject matter includes variouscombinations of these components and utilizing particular layering orarrangement of components, all of which are described in greater detailherein.

The labels can be applied to one or more surfaces of a rubber-basedarticle such as a tire inner side wall and/or a tire outer side wall.The labels can also be embedded or otherwise incorporated within arubber-based article such that the label is entirely or partially hiddenfrom view. Although the present subject matter will find wideapplication in manufacture, distribution, and/or inventory of tires, thepresent subject matter can also be utilized in conjunction with otherrubber-based articles such as rubber suspension components, rubbercushions, rubber damping components, and other rubber-based articles.Thus, although the labels are generally referred to herein as “tiretracking labels,” it will be understood that the present subject matteris not limited to use with tires, and instead can be utilized with awide array of other articles and particularly rubber-based articles thatare vulcanized.

The labels utilize materials and are configured such that the labels canwithstand the relatively high pressures and/or temperatures of manyvulcanization processes. Thus, the labels can be applied to and/orincorporated with green rubber-based articles. These and other aspectsand details are as follows.

Labels

Face Layers

The labels of the present subject matter comprise one or more layers ofa face material, also known as facestock. In certain embodiments theface material can withstand conditions typically associated with a “coldvulcanization” without face layer degradation. The term “coldvulcanization” as used herein refers to heating to a temperature greaterthan 90° C. and up to 170° C. for a time period of at least 10 minutes.Nonlimiting examples of suitable materials for face layers that canendure cold vulcanization include polyolefins, polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), polyamids (PA), polyimides (PI), polyethylenenaphthalate (PEN), cotton, paper, fiberglass, synthetic textiles, andcombinations thereof. The present subject matter includes the use ofother face materials so long as such materials can endure coldvulcanization. Typically, such other materials have melting pointsgreater than 90° C.

In particular embodiments the face material can withstand conditionstypically associated with a “warm vulcanization” without face layerdegradation. The term “warm vulcanization” as used herein refers toheating to a temperature greater than 170° C. for a time period of atleast 10 minutes. Nonlimiting examples of suitable materials for facelayers that can endure warm vulcanization include polypropylene (PP),polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamides (PA), polyimides (PI),polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), cotton, paper, fiberglass, synthetictextiles, and other materials exhibiting a melting point greater than170° C.

The one or more face layers can be in film form, woven fibrous form,and/or nonwoven fibrous form. The present subject matter includescombinations of face layers in film, woven, and/or nonwoven forms.

Primer Layers

The labels of the present subject matter comprise one or more layers ofprimer. In certain embodiments, the primer is applied to one or bothsides of a face layer. If multiplied face layers are used, the primercan be applied to one or some or all faces of the face layers. Theprimer layer(s) can be applied to portion(s) of a face or side of theface layers. In certain embodiments, multiple layers such as two layersof primer are used.

The primer layers are optional and their use in the present subjectmatter labels primarily depends upon the face layer(s). For example, ifa film face layer is used, then in many embodiments primer is applied tothat film face. However, for certain face layers such as those formedfrom woven or nonwoven materials for example paper or cotton materials,the label may be free of primer.

In certain embodiments, a particular primer composition is used forapplication to, and contact with, polymeric films such as PET. Suchprimer compositions include solvent-based primers which comprisereactive polymers in a solvent such as methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK). Anexample of such primer which is commercially available is THIXON P-11from Dow Chemical.

In certain embodiments, particular primer compositions are used forapplication to, and contact with, adhesive layers. Such primercompositions include solvent-based vulcanizing adhesives for bondingrubber compounds to substrates during vulcanization. Such primercompositions include reactive polymers in solvents such as xylene. Anexample of such primer which is commercially available is THIXON 520also known as THIXON 520-PEF, from Dow Chemical.

In no way is the present subject matter limited to any of the primersnoted herein. Instead, the present subject matter can utilize nearly anyprimer which can endure vulcanization.

Adhesive

The labels of the present subject matter comprise one or more layers ofadhesive. In many embodiments, the labels utilize multiple adhesivelayers such as two layers or three layers. The adhesive is selected suchthat the adhesive can (i) adhere to a surface of a green rubber-basedarticle prior to the article undergoing vulcanization, (ii) withstandconditions of vulcanization without adhesive degradation, and (iii)exhibit long term durability and resistance to a host of environmentalfactors. An example of such an adhesive which is commercially availableis Adhesive TS8017 from Avery Dennison. The TS8017 adhesiveco-vulcanizes with a rubber surface of a green rubber-based articleduring vulcanization of the article. After vulcanization, the TS8017adhesive forms a permanent bond with vulcanized rubber after thevulcanization process is completed. Thus, upon application of the labelto a surface of a tire or other rubber article, the adhesive layer canform a permanent bond with the tire or article. If the label isincorporated within or embedded within a tire or other rubber article,the adhesive layer can form a permanent bond within the rubber layers orthe rubber article or tire. If the label is applied to a surface of atire such as an interior side wall or exterior side wall of a tire, theadhesive layer can form a permanent bond with the noted surface(s).These permanent affixment strategies are such that the label remainsintact and adhered to or within the tire or article through the lifetimeof the tire or other rubber article.

In many embodiments, the adhesive comprises unsaturated rubber. Theunsaturated rubber can crosslink with rubber in a tire or otherrubber-based article and thereby form a permanent bond. The notedcrosslinking occurs or at least primarily occurs during vulcanization ofthe tire or rubber-based article.

In particular embodiments, the adhesive is a heat-activated adhesive.The adhesive is selected such that the heat activation temperature ofthe adhesive corresponds to the particular vulcanization process towhich the tire or rubber-based article will be subjected. For example,if a tire is to be subjected to cold vulcanization, a heat-activatedadhesive having a heat activation temperature within a range of 90° C.to 170° C. could be used. Alternatively, if a tire is to be subjected towarm vulcanization, a heat-activated adhesive having a heat activationtemperature greater than 170° C. could be used.

In certain versions of the present subject matter, the adhesivecomprises two or more phases and exhibits multiple stages. For example,a multiphase adhesive exhibiting pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA)characteristics at a first stage, and an activated second stageoccurring upon heating or exposing the adhesive to radiation, could beused. The adhesive can exhibit permanent adhesive characteristics at orafter heating or exposure to radiation. Thus, the present subject matterincludes the use of a wide array of multiphase and/or multistageadhesives.

In particular embodiments, the adhesive can be an acrylic adhesive, arubber-acrylic based hybrid, or combinations of these so long as theadhesive can withstand the conditions associated with the vulcanizationprocess to be used.

In certain versions, the adhesive includes agents such as particularpolymers and/or oligomers that include reactive side groups or sidechains, i.e., chemical moieties, which can form permanent bonds with arubber surface as a result of vulcanization of the tire or rubber-basedarticle with which the label is associated.

RFID Component(s)

The labels of the present subject matter comprise one or more RFIDcomponent(s) and/or device(s). A typical RFID device generally includesan antenna for wirelessly transmitting and/or receiving RF signals andanalog and/or digital electronics operatively connected thereto. Socalled active or semi-passive RFID devices may also include a battery orother suitable power source. Commonly, the electronics are implementedvia an integrated circuit (IC) or microchip or other suitable electroniccircuit and may include, e.g., communications electronics, data memory,control logic, etc. In operation, the IC or microchip functions to storeand/or process information, modulate and/or demodulate RF signals, aswell as optionally performing other specialized functions. In general,RFID devices can typical retain and communicate enough information touniquely identify individuals, packages, inventory and/or other likeobjects, e.g., to which the RFID device is affixed.

Commonly, an RFID reader or base station is used to wirelessly obtaindata or information (e.g., such as an identification code) communicatedfrom an RFID device. Typically, an RFID device is configured to store,emit, or otherwise exhibit an identification code or otheridentifier(s). The manner in which the RFID reader interacts and/orcommunicates with the RFID device generally depends on the type of RFIDdevice. A given RFID device is typically categorized as a passivedevice, an active device, a semi-passive device (also known as abattery-assisted or semi-active device) or a beacon type RFID device(which is generally considered as a sub-category of active devices).Passive RFID devices generally use no internal power source, and assuch, they are passive devices which are only active when an RFID readeris nearby to power the RFID device, e.g., via wireless illumination ofthe RFID device with an RF signal and/or electromagnetic energy from theRFID reader. Conversely, semi-passive and active RFID devices areprovided with their own power source (e.g., such as a small battery). Tocommunicate, conventional RFID devices (other than so called beacontypes) respond to queries or interrogations received from RFID readers.The response is typically achieved by backscattering, load modulationand/or other like techniques that are used to manipulate the RFIDreader's field. Commonly, backscatter is used in far-field applications(i.e., where the distance between the RFID device and reader is greaterthan approximately a few wavelengths), and alternately, load modulationis used in near-field applications (i.e., where the distance between theRFID device and reader is within approximately a few wavelengths).

Passive RFID devices typically signal or communicate their respectivedata or information by backscattering a carrier wave from an RFIDreader. That is, in the case of conventional passive RFID devices, inorder to retrieve information therefrom, the RFID reader typically sendsan excitation signal to the RFID device. The excitation signal energizesthe RFID device which transmits the information stored therein back tothe RFID reader. In turn, the RFID reader receives and decodes theinformation from the RFID device.

As previously noted, passive RFID devices commonly have no internalpower supply. Rather, power for operation of a passive RFID device isprovided by the energy in the incoming RF signal received by the RFIDdevice from the RFID reader. Generally, a small electrical currentinduced in the antenna of the RFID device by the incoming RF signalprovides sufficient power for the IC or microchip in the RFID device topower up and transmit a response. This means that the antenna generallyhas to be designed both to collect power from the incoming signal andalso to transmit the outbound backscatter signal.

Passive RFID devices have the advantage of simplicity and long life(e.g., having no battery to go dead). Nevertheless, their performancemay be limited. For example, passive RFID devices generally have a morelimited range as compared to active RFID devices.

Active RFID devices, as opposed to passive ones, are generallyprovisioned with their own transmitter and a power source (e.g., abattery, photovoltaic cell, etc.). In essence, an active RFID deviceemploys the self-powered transmitter to broadcast a signal whichcommunicates the information stored on the IC or microchip in the RFIDdevice. Commonly, an active RFID device will also use the power sourceto power the IC or microchip employed therein.

Generally, there are two kinds of active RFID devices-one can beconsidered as a transponder type of active RFID device and the other asa beacon type of active RFID device. A significant difference is thatactive transponder type RFID devices are only woken up when they receivea signal from an RFID reader. The transponder type RFID device, inresponse to the inquiry signal from the RFID reader, then broadcasts itsinformation to the reader. As can be appreciated, this type of activeRFID device conserves battery life by having the device broadcast itssignal only when it is within range of a reader. Conversely, beacon typeRFID devices transmit their identification code and/or other data orinformation autonomously (e.g., at defined intervals or periodically orotherwise) and do not respond to a specific interrogation from a reader.

Generally, active RFID devices, due to their on-board power supply, maytransmit at higher power levels (e.g., as compared to passive devices),allowing them to be more robust in various operating environments.However, the battery or other on-board power supply can tend to causeactive RFID devices to be relatively larger and/or more expensive tomanufacture (e.g., as compared to passive devices). Additionally, ascompared to passive RFID devices, active RFID devices have a potentiallymore limited shelf life—i.e., due to the limited lifespan of thebattery. Nevertheless, the self supported power supply commonly permitsactive RFID devices to include generally larger memories as compared topassive devices, and in some instances the on-board power source alsoallows the active device to include additional functionality, e.g., suchas obtaining and/or storing environmental data from a suitable sensor.

Semi-passive RFID devices are similar to active devices in that they aretypically provisioned with their own power source, but the batterycommonly only powers the IC or microchip and does not provide power forsignal broadcasting. Rather, like passive RFID devices, the responsefrom the semi-passive RFID device is usually powered by means ofbackscattering the RF energy received from the RFID reader, i.e., theenergy is reflected back to the reader as with passive devices. In asemi-passive RFID device, the battery also commonly serves as a powersource for data storage.

A conventional RFID device will often operate in one of a variety offrequency ranges including, e.g., a low frequency (LF) range (i.e., fromapproximately 30 kHz to approximately 300 kHz), a high frequency (HF)range (i.e., from approximately 3 MHz to approximately 30 MHz) and anultra-high frequency (UHF) range (i.e., from approximately 300 MHz toapproximately 3 GHz). A passive device will commonly operate in any oneof the aforementioned frequency ranges. In particular, for passivedevices: LF systems commonly operate at around 124 kHz, 125 kHz or 135kHz; HF systems commonly operate at around 13.56 MHz; and, UHF systemscommonly use a band anywhere from 860 MHz to 960 MHz. Alternately, somepassive device systems also use 2.45 GHz and other areas of the radiospectrum. Active RFID devices typically operate at around 455 MHz, 2.45GHz, or 5.8 GHz. Often, semi-passive devices use a frequency around 2.4GHz.

The read range of an RFID device (i.e., the range at which the RFIDreader can communicate with the RFID device) is generally determined bymany factors, e.g., the type of device (i.e., active, passive, etc.).Typically, passive LF RFID devices (also referred to as LFID or LowFIDdevices) can usually be read from within approximately 12 inches (0.33meters); passive HF RFID devices (also referred to as HFID or HighFIDdevices) can usually be read from up to approximately 3 feet (1 meter);and passive UHF RFID devices (also referred to as UHFID devices) can betypically read from approximately 10 feet (3.05 meters) or more. Oneimportant factor influencing the read range for passive RFID devices isthe method used to transmit data from the device to the reader, i.e.,the coupling mode between the device and the reader-which can typicallybe either inductive coupling or radiative/propagation coupling. PassiveLFID devices and passive HFID devices commonly use inductive couplingbetween the device and the reader, whereas passive UHFID devicescommonly use radiative or propagation coupling between the device andthe reader.

In inductive coupling applications (e.g., as are conventionally used bypassive LFID and HFID devices), the device and reader are typically eachprovisioned with a coil antenna that together form an electromagneticfield therebetween. In inductive coupling applications, the device drawspower from the field, uses the power to run the circuitry on thedevice's IC or microchip and then changes the electric load on thedevice antenna. Consequently, the reader antenna senses the change orchanges in the electromagnetic field and converts these changes intodata that is understood by the reader or adjunct computer. Because thecoil in the device antenna and the coil in the reader antenna have toform an electromagnetic field therebetween in order to complete theinductive coupling between the device and the reader, the device oftenhas to be fairly close to the reader antenna, which therefore tends tolimit the read range of these systems.

Alternately, in radiative or propagation coupling applications (e.g., asare conventionally used by passive UHFID devices), rather than formingan electromagnetic field between the respective antennas of the readerand device, the reader emits electromagnetic energy which illuminatesthe device. In turn, the device gathers the energy from the reader viaits antenna, and the device's IC or microchip uses the gathered energyto change the load on the device antenna and reflect back an alteredsignal, i.e., backscatter. Commonly, UHFID devices can communicate datain a variety of different ways, e.g., they can increase the amplitude ofthe reflected wave sent back to the reader (i.e., amplitude shiftkeying), shift the reflected wave so it is out of phase received wave(i.e., phase shift keying) or change the frequency of the reflected wave(i.e., frequency shift keying). In any event, the reader picks up thebackscattered signal and converts the altered wave into data that isunderstood by the reader or adjunct computer.

The antenna employed in an RFID device is also commonly affected bynumerous factor, e.g., the intended application, the type of device(i.e., active, passive, semi-active, etc.), the desired read range, thedevice-to-reader coupling mode, the frequency of operation of thedevice, etc. For example, insomuch as passive LFID devices are normallyinductively coupled with the reader, and because the voltage induced inthe device antenna is proportional to the operating frequency of thedevice, passive LFID devices are typically provisioned with a coilantenna having many turns in order to produce enough voltage to operatethe device's IC or microchip. Comparatively, a conventional HFID passivedevice will often be provisioned with an antenna which is a planarspiral (e.g., with 5 to 7 turns over a credit-card-sized form factor),which can usually provide read ranges on the order of tens ofcentimeters. Commonly, HFID antenna coils can be less costly to produce(e.g., compared to LFID antenna coils), since they can be made usingtechniques relatively less expensive than wire winding, e.g.,lithography or the like. UHFID passive devices are usually radiativelyand/or propagationally coupled with the reader antenna and consequentlycan often employ conventional dipole-like antennas.

The labels of the present subject matter can utilize any of the notedRFID devices. In many embodiments, the RFID device is a passive device.

Additional details of RFID devices, components, and their use aredescribed in one or more of the following US patents or Published patentapplications: U.S. Pat. No. 7,479,888; 2011/0000970; U.S. Pat. Nos.7,786,868; 7,298,330; 8,633,821; 7,368,032; and 2013/0107042.

Liners

A wide array of release liners can be utilized in the present subjectmatter labels. Release liners are well known and described in the priorart. Nonlimiting examples of liners include a supercalendered glassine(BG) liner, and a PET liner. The liner(s) cover the adhesive face(s) ofthe label and are typically removed prior to use or application of thelabel to the tire or article. In many embodiments, multiple releaseliners are used such as for example two release liners.

Tires

The present subject matter labels can be affixed to and/or incorporatedwithin a wide array of tires. As will be appreciated, tires aretypically used in combination with rims of a vehicle. The rubber-basedtire provides support and gripping for the vehicle with a road or groundsurface. The labels can be used with bias tires, belted bias tires,radial tires, solid tires, semi-pneumatic tires, pneumatic tires, andairless tires. The labels of the present subject matter can be used inassociation with nearly any type of tire. Generally all tires include anouter tread, a bead which contacts a rim upon installation of the tire,and sidewalls that extend between the tread and bead.

Other Rubber-Based Articles

As previously noted, the labels of the present subject matter can beused with a wide array of other rubber or rubber-based articles inaddition to, or instead of, tires. Nonlimiting examples of otherrubber-based articles include suspension components, cushions, shoesoles, hoses, hockey pucks, conveyor belts, musical mouth pieces,bowling balls, and the like. The terms “rubber articles” and“rubber-based articles” are used interchangeably herein.

Methods

Label Affixment

The labels of the present subject matter are affixed to rubber-basedarticles such as tires. The terms “affix” or “affixed” as used hereinrefer to attaching or adhering the label(s) by use of their adhesivelayer(s), to a surface or region of an article. The terms also includeembedding the label(s) within the article such that the label(s) ishidden or at least partially hidden from view in the finished article.

In many embodiments of the present subject matter the label(s) includeone or more release liners that cover or protect adhesive layer(s). Uponremoval of the release liner(s) to expose the adhesive, the adhesivelayer is contacted with a surface of the article. For methods in whichthe label is embedded within an article, removal of the release liner(s)enables the adhesive layer(s) to bond with the rubber matrix of thearticle.

In many embodiments, the label(s) are affixed to the article prior tosubjecting the article to vulcanization. As described herein, in certainversions of the labels, vulcanization may also result in a permanentbond between the label and the article.

Methods of Using the Labeled Vulcanized Articles

The present subject matter also provides methods of identifying arubber-based article. The methods involve affixing one or more labels tothe rubber-based article. The labels include an RFID component which maybe configured to provide a unique identifier or other information uponbeing read or otherwise interrogated. Once the label is affixed to arubber-based article, the unique identifier is thus associated with theparticular article. The labels can be affixed to the article prior tovulcanization or in certain applications, after vulcanization.

After affixment of one or more labels with an article, the article canbe identified by use of an RFID reader as previously described herein.Identification of the article enables a wide array of applications to beperformed such as tracking the article in a manufacturing or productionsystem, monitoring the location of the article, and performing inventoryoperations.

Embodiments

FIG. 1 illustrates a label 10A in accordance with the present subjectmatter. The label 10A comprises a face layer 20, one or more primerlayers 40, an adhesive layer 50, an RFID component 70, and a liner 80.

FIG. 2 is a photograph illustrating a plurality of labels 10 asdescribed herein affixed to a sidewall of a tire 100. The one or morelabel(s) can be applied on an exterior and/or interior face of asidewall of a tire prior to vulcanization of the tire. The label(s) willvulcanize and bond with the tire surface and form a permanent bond withthe rubber substrate.

FIG. 3 is a cross section of a tire 100 illustrating a tire tread 105,an outer or exterior sidewall 110, an inner or interior sidewall 120,and a bead 125. As previously described, the labels of the presentsubject matter can be affixed to any region on the tire and particularlyalong the exterior sidewall 110 or the interior sidewall 120 of thetire. The labels can also be incorporated or embedded within the tire100.

FIG. 4 is a photograph of a rubber-based article 130 in the form of asuspension component. The labels (not shown) of the present subjectmatter can be incorporated within, embedded within, and/or affixed alonga surface of the article 130.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a tire 100 having a label 10 affixed thereto.FIGS. 5 and 6 depict the tire 100 having a tread region 105, a bead 125,and a sidewall extending therebetween. FIG. 5 illustrates an inner face120 of the sidewall and the label 10 affixed thereto. FIG. 6 shows anouter face 110 of the sidewall and the label 10 affixed thereto.

FIG. 7 illustrates a particular label embodiment 10A previously shown inFIG. 1. The face layer 20 includes one or more of PET, one or moresynthetic textiles, cotton, paper, or polyamide. The primer layer 40includes two primer layers. The adhesive layer 50 includes thepreviously described TS8017 adhesive. The RFID component 70 is aspreviously described. The liner 80 is BG liner or PET liner. In label10A, the RFID component 70 is disposed between the adhesive layer 50 andthe liner 80.

FIG. 8 illustrates another label 10B including a face layer 20 whichincludes one or more of PET, one or more synthetic textiles, cotton,paper or polyamide. The label 10B also comprises an RFID component 70.The RFID component is as previously described. The label 10B alsocomprises primer layer(s) 40. The primer layer 40 includes two primerlayers. Label 10B also comprises an adhesive layer 50. The adhesivelayer 50 includes the TS8017 adhesive. Label 10B also comprises a liner80. The liner 80 is BG liner or PET liner. In label 10B, the RFIDcomponent 70 is disposed between the face layer 20 and the primer layers40.

FIG. 9 illustrates another label 10C comprising a face layer 20 thatincludes one or more of PET, one or more synthetic textiles, cotton,paper, or polyamide. The label 10C also comprises a primer layer 40. Theprimer layer 40 includes two layers of primer. The label 10C alsocomprises an RFID component 70. The RFID component 70 is as previouslydescribed. The label 10C also comprises an adhesive layer 50. Theadhesive layer 50 includes the TS8017 adhesive. The label 10C alsocomprises a liner 80. The liner 80 is BG liner or PET liner. In label10C, the RFID component 70 is disposed between the primer layers 40 andthe adhesive layer 50.

FIG. 10 illustrates another label 10D including a first face layer 20that includes one or more of PET, one or more synthetic textiles,cotton, paper, polyamide. The label 10D also comprises an RFID component70. The label 10D also includes a first adhesive layer 50 that can be aheat-activated or PSA adhesive or other adhesive. The label 10D alsoincludes a second face layer 30 that can include one or more of PET, oneor more synthetic textiles, cotton, paper, or polyamide. The label 10Dalso comprises two primer layers 40. The label 10D also comprises asecond adhesive layer 60 which is the TS8017 adhesive. The label 10Dalso comprises a BG liner or PET liner.

FIG. 11 illustrates another label 10E comprising a face material 20which can be PET, one or more synthetic textiles, cotton, paper, orpolyamide. The label 10E also comprises a first adhesive layer 50 whichcan be a heat-activated adhesive or a PSA or other adhesive. The label10E also comprises an RFID component 70 as previously described. Thelabel 10E also comprises a second face layer 30 which can include one ormore of PET, one or more synthetic textiles, cotton, paper, orpolyamide. The label 10E also comprises two primer layers 40. The label10E also comprises a second adhesive layer 60 that can include theTS8017 adhesive. The label 10E also includes a liner 80 which can be aGB liner or PET liner.

FIG. 12 illustrates another label 10F comprising a face material 20which can be PET, one or more synthetic textiles, cotton, paper orpolyamide. The label 10F also comprises a first adhesive layer 50 whichcan be a heat-activated adhesive or a PSA. The label 10F also comprisesan RFID component 70 as previously described. The label 10F alsocomprises another layer of adhesive 52 which can be a heat-activatedadhesive or a PSA or other adhesive. The label 10F also comprises asecond face layer 30 which can include one or more of PET, one or moresynthetic textiles, cotton, paper, or polyamide. The label 10E alsocomprises two primer layers 40. The label 10F also comprises a thirdadhesive layer 60 that can include the TS8017 adhesive. The label 10Falso includes a liner 80 which can be a GB liner or PET liner.

FIG. 13 illustrates another label 10G comprising a first liner 80, whichcan be a BG liner or PET liner. The label 10G also comprises an adhesivelayer 50 which can be the previously noted TS8017 adhesive. The label10G also comprises primer 40 which is generally in the form of twolayers of primer. The label 10G also comprises a face layer 30 which caninclude one or more of PET, one or more synthetic textiles, cotton,paper, or polyamide. The label 10G also comprises primer layer 40 whichcan include two layers. The label 10G also comprises an RFID component70. The label 10G also comprises a second layer of adhesive 60 which canbe the TS8017 adhesive. And, the label 10G also comprises a second liner90 which can be a BG liner or PET liner. For applications in which thelabel is provided in a roll or self wound form, a single double faceliner such as a double siliconized liner can be used.

FIG. 14 illustrates another label 10H comprising a first liner 80, whichcan be a BG liner or PET liner. The label 10H also comprises an adhesivelayer 50 which can be the previously noted TS8017 adhesive. The label10H also comprises primer 40 which is generally in the form of twolayers of primer. The label 10H also comprises a face layer 30 which caninclude one or more of PET, one or more synthetic textiles, cotton,paper, or polyamide. The label 10H also comprises primer layer 40 whichcan include two layers. The label 10H also comprises a second layer ofadhesive 60 which can be the TS8017 adhesive. The label 10H alsocomprises an RFID component 70. And, the label 10H also comprises asecond liner 90 which can be a BG liner or PET liner. For applicationsin which the label is provided in a roll or self wound form, a singledouble face liner such as a double siliconized liner can be used.

FIG. 15 illustrates another label 10J comprising one or more liners 80,which can be a BG liner or PET liner. The label 10J also comprises oneor more adhesive layers 60 which can be the previously noted TS8017adhesive. The label 10J may also comprise one or more primer layer 40which is generally in the form of two layers of primer. The label 10Jalso comprises one or more face layers 30 which can include one or moreof PET, one or more synthetic textiles, cotton, paper, or polyamide. Thelabel 10J may also comprise one or more additional primer layers 20 Theprimer layer 20 may be the same as primer layer 40 when vulcanizationadhesive TS8017 is utilized for adhesive layers 50 and 60. In theinstance when the adhesive layer 50 is different from the adhesive layer60 (e.g. an adhesive which may applied in a pressure sensitive state butthen transformed into a structural adhesive by the application of atrigger or merely a standard pressure sensitive adhesive) the primerlayer 20 may be eliminated entirely from the construction or may beprovided in the form of a primer that is different from the primer layer40. As mentioned herein, the label 10J also comprises at least one layerof pressure sensitive adhesive 50 which can be the previously notedadhesive TS8017, a standard pressure sensitive adhesive, or a switchableadhesive (i.e. an adhesive applied as a pressure sensitive adhesive andswitched to a structural adhesive by the application of a trigger) orstandard durable adhesive which do not require primer but still can useit for better performance]. The label 10J also comprises an RFIDcomponent 70. For applications in which the label is provided in a rollor self wound form, a single double face liner such as a doublesiliconized liner or two single sided siliconized liners may be used.

The labels of the present subject matter include a wide array of layerand component(s) arrangements. For example, in certain embodiments thelabels can include two primer layers both disposed between the facelayer and the adhesive layer. In particular embodiments the adhesivelayer is disposed between the primer layer and the RFID component. Inother embodiments the RFID component is disposed between the face layerand the adhesive layer. In still additional versions the RFID componentis disposed between the face layer and the primer layer. In yet otherembodiments the RFID component is disposed between the primer layer andthe adhesive layer. In alternative versions the label comprises two facelayers, and the RFID component is disposed between the two face layers.In other versions, the RFID component is disposed between a face layerand an adhesive layer. In certain embodiments, the label also comprisestwo adhesive layers, the RFID component is disposed between the twoadhesive layers. In particular embodiments, the label comprises twoadhesive layers and two primer layers one of which is adjacent to afirst layer of adhesive. In still other versions, the RFID component isdisposed between a layer of primer and a second layer of adhesive. And,in yet additional versions, label includes at least one release linerand the RFID component is disposed between an adhesive layer and therelease liner.

Many other benefits will no doubt become apparent from futureapplication and development of this technology.

All patents, published patent applications, standards, and articlesnoted herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The present subject matter includes all operable combinations offeatures and aspects described herein. Thus, for example if one featureis described in association with an embodiment and another feature isdescribed in association with another embodiment, it will be understoodthat the present subject matter includes embodiments having acombination of these features.

As described hereinabove, the present subject matter solves manyproblems associated with previous strategies, systems and/or devices.However, it will be appreciated that various changes in the details,materials and arrangements of components, which have been hereindescribed and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the presentsubject matter, may be made by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the principle and scope of the claimed subject matter, asexpressed in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tire tracking label comprising: at least oneface layer; optionally, at least one primer layer; at least one adhesivelayer comprising unsaturated rubber, wherein upon contact between theadhesive layer and a green rubber-based article, and subsequentvulcanization of the rubber-based article, the adhesive crosslinks withthe rubber to thereby form a permanent bond between the label and therubber-based article; and at least one RFID component.
 2. The tiretracking label of claim 1 further comprising: at least one release linercontacting the adhesive layer.
 3. The tire tracking label of claim 1wherein the face layer can withstand cold vulcanization without facelayer degradation.
 4. The tire tracking label of claim 1 wherein theface layer includes materials having melting points greater than 90° C.5. The tire tracking label of claim 1 wherein the face layer includes atleast one material selected from the group consisting of polyolefins,polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamides (PA), polyimides (PI),polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), cotton, paper, fiberglass, synthetictextiles, and combinations thereof.
 6. The tire tracking label of claim1 wherein the face layer can withstand warm vulcanization without facelayer degradation.
 7. The tire tracking label of claim 1 wherein theface layer includes materials having melting points greater than 170° C.8. The tire tracking label of claim 1 wherein the face layer includes atleast one material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene(PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamides (PA), polyimides(PI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), cotton, paper, fiberglass,synthetic textiles, and combinations thereof.
 9. The tire tracking labelof claim 1 wherein the label comprises at least one primer layerdisposed on the face layer.
 10. The tire tracking label of claim 9wherein the face layer is in the form of a film.
 11. The tire trackinglabel of claim 1 wherein the label is free of a primer layer.
 12. Thetire tracking label of claim 11 wherein the face layer is in the form ofa nonwoven.
 13. The tire tracking label of claim 1 wherein the adhesiveis a heat-activated adhesive.
 14. The tire tracking label of claim 13wherein the heat-activated adhesive has a heat activation temperaturewithin a range of from 90° C. to 170° C.
 15. The tire tracking label ofclaim 13 wherein the heat-activated adhesive has a heat activationtemperature greater than 170° C.
 16. The tire tracking label of claim 1wherein the adhesive is a multiphase adhesive.
 17. The tire trackinglabel of claim 1 wherein the adhesive is a multistage adhesive.
 18. Thetire tracking label of claim 17 wherein the multistage adhesive exhibitspressure sensitive adhesive characteristics at a first stage.
 19. Thetire tracking label of claim 18 wherein the multistage adhesive exhibitspermanent adhesive characteristics at a second stage.
 20. The tiretracking label of claim 19 wherein the multistage adhesive transitionsfrom the first stage to the second stage upon heating or exposure toradiation.
 21. The tire tracking label of claim 1 wherein the RFIDcomponent includes a passive RFID device.
 22. The tire tracking label ofclaim 1 wherein the RFID component includes an antenna.
 23. The tiretracking label of claim 1 wherein the label includes two primer layersboth disposed between the face layer and the adhesive layer.
 24. Thetire tracking label of claim 1 wherein the adhesive layer is disposedbetween the primer layer and the RFID component.
 25. The tire trackinglabel of claim 1 wherein the RFID component is disposed between the facelayer and the adhesive layer.
 26. The tire tracking label of claim 1wherein the RFID component is disposed between the face layer and theprimer layer.
 27. The tire tracking label of claim 1 wherein the RFIDcomponent is disposed between the primer layer and the adhesive layer.28. The tire tracking label of claim 1 wherein the label comprises twoface layers, and the RFID component is disposed between the two facelayers.
 29. The tire tracking label of claim 28 wherein the RFIDcomponent is disposed between a face layer and an adhesive layer. 30.The tire tracking label of claim 28 wherein the label also comprises twoadhesive layers, the RFID component is disposed between the two adhesivelayers.
 31. The tire tracking label of claim 1 wherein the labelcomprises two adhesive layers and two primer layers one of which isadjacent to a first layer of adhesive.
 32. The tire tracking label ofclaim 31 wherein the RFID component is disposed between a layer ofprimer and a second layer of adhesive.
 33. The tire tracking label ofclaim 31 wherein label includes at least one release liner and the RFIDcomponent is disposed between an adhesive layer and the release liner.34. The tire tracking label of claim 31 wherein the RFID component isdisposed between a face layer and layer of primer.
 35. A labeledrubber-based article comprising: a rubber-based article; a labelincluding at least one face layer; optionally, at least one primerlayer; at least one adhesive layer; and at least one RFID component;wherein the adhesive layer comprises unsaturated rubber, wherein uponcontact between the adhesive layer and a green rubber-based article, andsubsequent vulcanization of the rubber-based article, the adhesivecrosslinks with the rubber to thereby form a permanent bond between thelabel and the rubber-based article; and wherein the label is affixed tothe article.
 36. The labeled article of claim 35 wherein the face layercan withstand cold vulcanization without face layer degradation withoutface layer degradation.
 37. The labeled article of claim 35 wherein theface layer includes materials having melting points greater than 90° C.38. The labeled article of claim 35, wherein the face layer includes atleast one material selected from the group consisting of polyolefins,polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamides (PA), polyimides (PI),polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), cotton, paper, fiberglass, synthetictextiles, and combinations thereof.
 39. The labeled article of claim 35wherein the face layer can withstand warm vulcanization without facelayer degradation without face layer degradation.
 40. The labeledarticle of claim 35 wherein the face layer includes materials havingmelting points greater than 170° C.
 41. The labeled article of claim 35wherein the face layer includes at least one material selected from thegroup consisting of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate(PET), polyamides (PA), polyimides (PI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN),cotton, paper, fiberglass, synthetic textiles, and combinations thereof.42. The labeled article of claim 35 wherein the label comprises at leastone primer layer disposed on the face layer.
 43. The labeled article ofclaim 42 wherein the face layer is in the form of a film.
 44. Thelabeled article of claim 35 wherein the label is free of a primer layer.45. The labeled article of claim 44 wherein the face layer is in theform of a nonwoven.
 46. The labeled article of claim 35 wherein theadhesive is a heat-activated adhesive.
 47. The labeled article of claim46 wherein the heat-activated adhesive has a heat activation temperaturewithin a range of from 90° C. to 170° C.
 48. The labeled article ofclaim 46 wherein the heat-activated adhesive has a heat activationtemperature greater than 170° C.
 49. The labeled article of claim 35wherein the adhesive is a multiphase adhesive.
 50. The labeled articleof claim 35 wherein the adhesive is a multistage adhesive.
 51. Thelabeled article of claim 50 wherein the multistage adhesive exhibitspressure sensitive adhesive characteristics at a first stage.
 52. Thelabeled article of claim 51 wherein the multistage adhesive exhibitspermanent adhesive characteristics at a second stage.
 53. The labeledarticle of claim 52 wherein the multistage adhesive transitions from thefirst stage to the second stage upon heating or exposure to radiation.54. The labeled article of claim 35 wherein the RFID component includesa passive RFID device.
 55. The labeled article of claim 35 wherein theRFID component includes an antenna.
 56. The labeled article of claim 35wherein the label includes two primer layers both disposed between theface layer and the adhesive layer.
 57. The labeled article of claim 35wherein the adhesive layer is disposed between the primer layer and theRFID component.
 58. The labeled article of claim 35 wherein the RFIDcomponent is disposed between the face layer and the adhesive layer. 59.The labeled article of claim 35 wherein the RFID component is disposedbetween the face layer and the primer layer.
 60. The labeled article ofclaim 35 wherein the RFID component is disposed between the primer layerand the adhesive layer.
 61. The labeled article of claim 35 wherein thelabel comprises two face layers, and the RFID component is disposedbetween the two face layers.
 62. The labeled article of claim 61 whereinthe RFID component is disposed between a face layer and an adhesivelayer.
 63. The labeled article of claim 61 wherein the label alsocomprises two adhesive layers, the RFID component is disposed betweenthe two adhesive layers.
 64. The labeled article of claim 35 wherein thelabel comprises two adhesive layers and two primer layers one of whichis adjacent to a first layer of adhesive.
 65. The labeled article ofclaim 64 wherein the RFID component is disposed between a layer ofprimer and a second layer of adhesive.
 66. The labeled article of claim64 wherein label includes at least one release liner and the RFIDcomponent is disposed between an adhesive layer and the release liner.67. The labeled article of claim 35 wherein the article is a tire. 68.The labeled article of claim 67 wherein the label is affixed to asidewall of the tire.
 69. The labeled article of claim 68 wherein thelabel is affixed to an exterior face of the sidewall.
 70. The labeledarticle of claim 68 wherein the label is affixed to an interior face ofthe sidewall.
 71. The labeled article of claim 68 wherein the label isembedded within the tire.
 72. A method of identifying a rubber-basedarticle, the method comprising: providing a rubber-based article;providing a label including at least one face layer, optionally at leastone primer layer, at least one adhesive layer comprising unsaturatedrubber, and at least one RFID component; and contacting the adhesivelayer and a green rubber-based article; and vulcanizing the rubber-basedarticle, wherein during vulcanizing, the adhesive layer crosslinks withthe rubber to thereby form a permanent bond between the label and therubber-based article, thereby affixing the label with the rubber-basedarticle.
 73. The method of claim 72 wherein the affixing includesadhering the label to the rubber-based article.
 74. The method of claim72 wherein the affixing includes embedding the label within therubber-based article.
 75. The method of claim 72 further comprising:vulcanizing the rubber-based article.
 76. The method of claim 75 whereinthe affixing is performed prior to the vulcanizing.
 77. The method ofclaim 72 wherein the face layer can withstand cold vulcanization withoutface layer degradation.
 78. The method of claim 72 wherein the facelayer includes materials having melting points greater than 90° C. 79.The method of claim 72 wherein the face layer includes at least onematerial selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), polyamides (PA), polyimides (PI), polyethylenenaphthalate (PEN), cotton, paper, fiberglass, synthetic textiles, andcombinations thereof.
 80. The method of claim 72 wherein the face layercan withstand warm vulcanization without face layer degradation.
 81. Themethod of claim 72 wherein the face layer includes materials havingmelting points greater than 170° C.
 82. The method of claim 72 whereinthe face layer includes at least one material selected from the groupconsisting of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET),polyamides (PA), polyimides (PI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN),cotton, paper, fiberglass, synthetic textiles, and combinations thereof.83. The method of claim 72 wherein the label comprises at least oneprimer layer disposed on the face layer.
 84. The method of claim 83wherein the face layer is a film.
 85. The method of claim 72 wherein thelabel is free of a primer layer.
 86. The method of claim 85 wherein theface layer is a nonwoven layer.
 87. The method of claim 72 wherein theadhesive is a heat-activated adhesive.
 88. The method of claim 87wherein the heat-activated adhesive has a heat activation temperaturewithin a range of from 90° C. to 170° C.
 89. The method of claim 87wherein the heat-activated adhesive has a heat activation temperaturegreater than 170° C.
 90. The method of claim 72 wherein the adhesive isa multiphase adhesive.
 91. The method of claim 72 wherein the adhesiveis a multistage adhesive.
 92. The method of claim 91 wherein themultistage adhesive exhibits pressure sensitive adhesive characteristicsat a first stage.
 93. The method of claim 92 wherein the multistageadhesive exhibits permanent adhesive characteristics at a second stage.94. The method of claim 93 wherein the multistage adhesive transitionsfrom the first stage to the second stage upon heating or exposure toradiation.
 95. The method of claim 72 wherein the adhesive is selectedfrom the group consisting of an acrylic adhesive, a rubber-acrylichybrid adhesive, and combinations thereof.
 96. The method of claim 72wherein the RFID component includes a passive RFID device.
 97. Themethod of claim 72 wherein the RFID component includes an antenna. 98.The method of claim 72 wherein the label includes two primer layers bothdisposed between the face layer and the adhesive layer.
 99. The methodof claim 72 wherein the adhesive layer is disposed between the primerlayer and the RFID component.
 100. The method of claim 72 wherein theRFID component is disposed between the face layer and the adhesivelayer.
 101. The method of claim 72 wherein the RFID component isdisposed between the face layer and the primer layer.
 102. The method ofclaim 72 wherein the RFID component is disposed between the primer layerand the adhesive layer.
 103. The method of claim 72 wherein the labelcomprises two face layers, and the RFID component is disposed betweenthe two face layers.
 104. The method of claim 103 wherein the RFIDcomponent is disposed between a face layer and an adhesive layer. 105.The method of claim 103 wherein the label also comprises two adhesivelayers, the RFID component is disposed between the two adhesive layers.106. The method of claim 72 wherein the label comprises two adhesivelayers and two primer layers one of which is adjacent to a first layerof adhesive.
 107. The method of claim 106 wherein the RFID component isdisposed between a layer of primer and a second layer of adhesive. 108.The method of claim 106 wherein label includes at least one releaseliner and the RFID component is disposed between an adhesive layer andthe release liner.
 109. The method of claim 72 wherein the rubber-basedarticle is a tire.
 110. The method of claim 72 wherein the RFIDcomponent includes an identifier, the method comprising: using an RFIDreader, reading the label affixed with the rubber-based article tothereby obtain the identifier.